1996 Paraiso Springs Vineyards Syrah, Monterey, Santa Lucia Highlands, $22.50, current release - only 300 cases produced. Who the hell are these people, I said? This is some serious Syrah. Packed with black fruit, meaty flavors, and hints of white pepper, this wine stood up to Cajun Red Beans and Rice with aplomb. Darn nice wine, fair price. Anyone else had any of their wines?

They're located in Soledad, near Smith & Hook. We visited them back in 1993, and I believe they were relatively new as winemakers then, though they had been growers for some time. We've had their wines periodically since then, and they've improved quite a bit. We like their Gewurtz and Pinot Noir, which may not be world class, but they're good drinkable wines. We drink for the moment, and at the moment we had the Paraiso Springs wines, we enjoyed them, and will again. What led you to try them?